Page 66 of The Bitter Words

He gets to his feet, straightens his pin-striped black-and-white tailored suit, and strides toward the door.

Without looking back, he states, “Figure it out on your own, Cash. If you’re wise enough to find legal advice that will ruin your life, you’re smart enough to fill in the blanks. I’ll see you in the studio tomorrow. Be ready to work. We’re days behind.”

Callum/Cash

A Year And A Half Later

Vanishing Texts & Iron Covered Agony

Some demons don’t bite…they wait a year and a half just to watch you burn.

“I can’t believe it’s finally here.” Bren slaps my back as we meander out of the studio after wrapping up everything we need to.

We’re going on tour in North America starting next week.

The last year and a half have been full of working our asses off, trying to keep my relationship with Livianna on track, while avoiding Leon Baker and Zara Blackthorn every time they come around, and doing it all high as shit on whatever drug is available.

None of it has been easy.

I gaze up at the blue sky. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen daylight.”

“I guess. I’ve never paid attention to it. We work all day and when we’re out on the road, we perform at night. Daylight seems overrated.” He gestures to his car. “Hawke and Cooper are at that little bar up the street. Let’s go meet up with them.”

“Yeah. Whatever.” I toss my cigarette on the ground and snuff it out. I pick up the butt and throw it away. “You’re driving.”

“Figured.” He unlocks the door and we get in. He starts the car and tears out of the parking lot. “You gonna let Livianna know where you are?”

“Later. She’s filming.” I used to text her whenever I could, but now it just seems like a hassle.

I’m too high and have no energy to maintain a conversation over messages. My focus is songwriting, getting the music etched into my memory, and wondering if any of it is worth it.

Bren turns down the radio. “It’s none of my business, bro, but I think she’d appreciate it.”

“Maybe, but she won’t see it for a while, so I’ll do it in a bit.”

“Right.” He drives forward but doesn’t turn the stereo up. After a minute of silence, he glances at me. “How are you gonna deal with her while we’re out on tour?”

“Like I always do.”

“That’s gonna be a problem.”

“Why? We’re fine.”

“Are you?”

I shift and peer over at him. “Are you trying to tell me something, Guns?”

“Cash, you can’t seriously think everything is great between you two.”

“Is it bad between us?”

“No, but it’s not good.” He grips the wheel tighter. “Let me be blunt.”

“When aren’t you?”

“You’re such a dick sometimes.”

“I’ve never claimed not to be one.” I tap my pocket to make sure I have my money and smokes.